Every time I take my chicken pasta salad to an event, everyone wants the recipe. I have to laugh because there really isn't much to the recipe--it starts off with HEB Creamy Parmesan Pasta Mix. When I tell people this, they are a bit surprised. Actually, the mix is pretty bland, but it is my personal twist that makes it special.
This is true for many recipes or instant mixes. As is, they are ho-hum. You have to be a bit creative and willing to experiment to take ho-hum to ho-yeah! Sometimes it may be a special spice, an extra flavorful or premium ingredient or the addition of meat, cheese, etc.
In the case of the chicken pasta salad, here is how I make it "mine."
Prepare one box of HEB Creamy Parmesan Pasta Mix according to directions and make the following changes.
Use premium olive oil, but reduce the amount to 1 Tbs.
Use the juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
Add 1 Tbs. of red wine vinegar
Add 2 Tbs. of Melting Pot Garlic Wine Seasoning (makes anything taste better)
Add 2 c. cubed, cooked chicken breast
Add 1/2 additional c. of mayonnaise
Mix all ingredients. Let set for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to combine.
As you can see, there is nothing "magic" about this recipe. The changes came from trial and error, but the result is fabulous. Don't be afraid to experiment. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but overall you will wind up with better recipes even from mixes.
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This is true for many recipes or instant mixes. As is, they are ho-hum. You have to be a bit creative and willing to experiment to take ho-hum to ho-yeah! Sometimes it may be a special spice, an extra flavorful or premium ingredient or the addition of meat, cheese, etc.
In the case of the chicken pasta salad, here is how I make it "mine."
Prepare one box of HEB Creamy Parmesan Pasta Mix according to directions and make the following changes.
Use premium olive oil, but reduce the amount to 1 Tbs.
Use the juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
Add 1 Tbs. of red wine vinegar
Add 2 Tbs. of Melting Pot Garlic Wine Seasoning (makes anything taste better)
Add 2 c. cubed, cooked chicken breast
Add 1/2 additional c. of mayonnaise
Mix all ingredients. Let set for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to combine.
As you can see, there is nothing "magic" about this recipe. The changes came from trial and error, but the result is fabulous. Don't be afraid to experiment. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but overall you will wind up with better recipes even from mixes.
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